Carousel & Build a Bear

Our mall has recently added a very nice, *real* carousel. I had not been to see it yet, but had heard from others that it was great. So, with mom & dad here & errands that needed to be run anyways, we decided to head to the mall yesterday morning. The carousel was a BIG hit. We ended up riding it 4 times while we were there. Drew tried out a different animal(aside from horses, they have a giraffe, elephant & monkey) each time, while Ava stayed on the same horse except for the last ride. Unfortunately, it is not something I could do with them on my own yet. Even though I could stand between them to help them hold on....I would not be able to watch Pres, too. So, we may be going often when Noni & Dandy visit! :)

After the 1st 2 rides on the carousel, while we were deciding where to go next, mom & I decided it was time to "Build a Bear". The store is (strategically placed, I'm sure) right behind the carousel & it caught our eye. We had talked about it before, but kind of thought they may be too little. But, we figured we had the time, so it was worth a shot.

After running our errands & eating lunch, we headed in. The girl working there was very nice & showed us exactly what to do. After much disussion w/ the 2 year olds(!), Drew picked a leopard(who looks enough like Baby Jaguar to make him happy) & Ava picked a Monkey(her current fave). They got a little scared during the stuffing--it's kind of loud & then it was time for clothes. Ava decided Monkey did NOT need clothes, try as Noni might to change her mind. Clothes were bought for her, but they still have not been worn. Drew felt that Baby Jaguar MUST have a basketball, so I told him to pick out a basketball uniform for him to wear. Much to our chagrin, he picked a Spurs uniform. While daddy will be thrilled, those of us with him would have preferred a Mavs jersey. But, this was not a battle we wanted to fight! :) We then picked names("Baby Jaguar" of course & Milly the Monkey) & printed birth certificates.

It was a fun experience. I think they'll enjoy it when they get a little older & really understand what's going on. But, they do love their new animals.

Thanks, Noni & Dandy, for EVERYTHING. We love you!